Seed Production Agronomist

Company Description

Syngenta is a global leader in agriculture; rooted in science and dedicated to bringing plant potential to life. Each of our 28,000 employees in more than 90 countries work together to solve one of humanity’s most pressing challenges: growing more food with fewer resources. A diverse workforce and an inclusive workplace environment are enablers of our ambition to be the most collaborative and trusted team in agriculture. Our employees reflect the diversity of our customers, the markets where we operate and the communities which we serve. No matter what your position, you will have a vital role in safely feeding the world and taking care of our planet. Join us and help shape the future of agriculture.  

Job Description

We invite you to help us shape the future of agriculture. At Syngenta, we believe every employee has a role to play in safely feeding the world and taking care of our planet. To support that challenge, the agronomy team is currently seeking an Agronomist in Danvers, MN. 
You will help shape the future of agriculture by: 

• Management and execution of all phases of seed production for soybeans to ensure a high quality, reliable, and timely supply is delivered to the facility.  
• Develop crop placement plans that deliver agreed upon production goals.  
• Collaborate with the Production and Processing Technology to develop best practices in seed production. Foster an operational culture founded on HSE and process improvement.  
• Actively engage and provide technical expertise with seed growers, and production research for seed multiplication.

Accountabilities  

• Works on problems of diverse scope where analysis of data requires evaluation of identifiable factors. 
• Exercises judgment within generally defined practices and policies in selecting methods and techniques for obtaining solutions.
• Develop acreage placement plans in conjunction with management. 
• Uses professional concepts and company policies and procedures to solve a wide range of difficult problems in imaginative and practical ways.
• Participates in field improvement efforts
• Participates in six sigma field improvement activities
• Develop and maintain a grower evaluation system to drive increased yields and quality.
• Understand species and variety characteristics, seed quality standards, PLC advancement priorities, and crop delivery requirements to optimize seed availabilities.
• Develop and implement programs regarding agronomic issues in production fields including, weed and insect programs, and timely field inspection programs.  Make pesticide and agronomic recommendations to optimize yield and COGP.
• Coordinates receiving activities to meet conditioning schedules in conjunction with Plant Operations.
• General administrative management duties including signing grower contracts, collecting – preparing – inputting data for reports, conducting QBS management meetings, pricing and managing disposition of harvest.
• Foster an operational culture founded on adherence to all applicable HSE and other corporate policies, procedures and guidelines.  Active leadership in the “Goal Zero” campaign.
• Work with PPT or other specialists to test/implement new production concepts
• Remain current with latest production technology and develop specialized skills (i.e. systems, data analysis, equipment maintenance, fertility, irrigation management, etc.) to support seed growers.

Qualifications

• Requires a Bachelor’s Degree in Agronomy or related field
• 2-4 years related experience preferred
• Certified Crop Advisor (CCA) preferred
• Knowledge of general industry procedures, practices, and terminology
• Strong agronomic and pest management skills. 
• Individual must be authorized to work in the United States for Syngenta without work authorization sponsorship now or in the future

Critical success factors & key challenges

• Meet crop plan targets while maintaining high quality production.
• Achieve annual COGP and HSE targets
• Proactive professional working relationships with seed producing vendors.
• Assessments, implementations, and execution of important business strategies relating to consistent supplies of high quality and sufficient quantity seed products. 
• Ability to remain flexible and responsive when faced with multiple urgent requests 

Additional Information

• Full Benefit Package (Medical, Dental & Vision) that starts the same day you do
• 401k plan with company match, Profit Sharing & Retirement Savings Contribution
• Paid Vacation, 12 Paid Holidays, Maternity and Paternity Leave, Education Assistance, Wellness Programs, Corporate Discounts among others
• A culture that